'The second wave of coronavirus is already in Germany', senior Merkel ally says,

[cadence4u]

'The second wave of coronavirus is already in Germany', senior Merkel ally says, as he admits 'we have new clusters of infections every day'

* The warning came as daily infections rose to 800 on Friday and Saturday
* Country's R rate also rose above 1 to 1.08 on Saturday, up from 0.93 on Thursday
* Comes as anyone coming back into Germany will be offered a coronavirus test

A senior ally of Angela Merkel has said that a second wave of coronavirus has already hit Germany and that they are seeing new clusters of infections every day.

Politician Michael Kretschmer, premier of the eastern German state of Saxony, gave the warning this weekend as daily infections rose to 800 on Friday and Saturday.

The country's R rate, which measures the number of infections caused by an individual, also rose above 1 to 1.08 on Saturday, up from 0.93 on Thursday.

Kretschmer - a member of Angela Merkel's Christian Democrats - told the Rheinische Post newspaper: 'The second wave of coronavirus is already here.

'It is already taking place every day. We have new clusters of infections every day which could become very high numbers.'

The number of cases fell to 300 on Sunday but weekend figures are often lower than those during the week due to delays in reporting.

Health authorities have said the new cases have been caused by large celebrations or gatherings as well as returning travellers.

In addition, some 500 workers were sent into quarantine on a large Bavarian farm at the weekend in order to contain a mass coronavirus outbreak.

At least 174 seasonal workers have tested positive for the virus on the farm in the municipality of Mamming, most of them from Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria and Ukraine. 

It comes as anyone coming back into Germany will be offered a free coronavirus test as they pass through the airport. The measure was introduced on Friday.

Berlin's health minister Dilek Kalayci said that those coming back from high-risk countries should be tested and those returning from non-risk countries will also have the option. 

She said the tests would initially be non-mandatory and the cost would be covered by the state in all cases in the new measure that was agreed by the health ministers of Germany's 16 states.     

A spokeswoman from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), told the German Press Agency the institute was concerned with the increase in the country's R-rate.

She said: 'This development is very worrying and will continue to be monitored very closely by the RKI.'

'A further exacerbation of the situation must be avoided.'

Despite the rise in cases, Germany has seen a relatively low mortality rate compared with its European neighbours, recording a total of 9,118 deaths so far. They have recorded a total of 205,609 infections.

However, the economy has still been battered, with 640,000 becoming unemployed due to the pandemic.

The country has also been hit by repeated coronavirus outbreaks at slaughterhouses, keeping authorities on high alert.

[nmbrown863]

Wish it would come to an end but I don't think it will anytime soon.

[Kimdud22]

Yes it would be great if it would just go away. I am so tired of it as is everyone.

[minioncookies]

Sadly this has been promoted a lot of  a second wave. Some country's haven't gotten out of there first wave. So many lives lost to this virus . Hope it does go away before it gets even more deadlier

[tantricia44]

Where's the damed cure! How come there's not even a vacc.

[countrygirl12]

Where's the damed cure! How come there's not even a vacc.

  Well why don't you come up with one!  Did you miss the memo that this is completely new?  Vaccines take years to get approved.  Although this one is ready in a few weeks/months.  They are looking for volunteers to be a part of the test group to give the first doses to.  I am sure they would take you if you want to be a part of the group.  As for a "cure" I doubt you will ever see that.  Just like there is not a cure for the flu or the common cold. OR any of the other millions of viruses out there.

[countrygirl12]

Not sure how it can be a "second wave".  The only way that would be possible is if it had died out and that has not happened.
I have not really paid attention to any numbers other an my state and my county. Every now and then I look at the totals for all the states.

[myfreebees316]

Its not a shock a seocnd wave is happening. No one listens or wants to . They rather not let it go to zero cases zero people dieing before loostening up on things . All life is precious . As for a vaccine that could take up to a year or longer. There are several phases before one can even be approved. First start off iwht he exploratory phase, pre clinical phase, developement , Than it has to go for review. If it passes the review than they can manufacture it and send it out . Stuff like this takes time money and a lot of it

[sipingyu]

Unbelievable, thanks for sharing

[JaniceSW]

Yes it would be great if it would just go away. I am so tired of it as is everyone.

If people would take it seriously and behave as they should, we would see numbers decline.  Keep following doctors' advice, and we would probably have more freedom.  It is about caring for and respecting our fellow Americans; not about a political party or individual entitlements.  Aren't we all Americans once everything is said and done?!

[beatsdrop]

I hate this year so much.